The Polish women’s team was founded in 1947 and they earned Olympic bronze medals in 1964 and 1968. But the last three decades have been less successful.

Things changed in 2003 when Ryszard Andrzej Niemczyk was welcomed back as coach after a break of 26 years, bringing a renewed spirit to the team.

The Poles pulled off a huge surprise at the 2003 European Championships, toppling hosts Turkey in straight sets in the final. Malgorzata Glinka was honoured as Best Scorer, while captain Magdalena Sliwa was named Best Setter.

Poland defended their European title in 2005 but then encountered problems, with coach Niemczyk having to retire due to health problems.

He was succeeded by Marco Bonitta and in May 2008 Poland qualified for the Olympics for the first time in 30 years.

Under Jerzy Matlak, the Poles took bronze at the 2009 European Championship and finished a creditable eighth at the 2010 World Championship, their best placing since the 1970s.

Alojzy Swiderek played with a number of top Polish clubs, winning a
Polish Championship medal in 1975. In 1981, he was named Player of the
Year by Przeglad Sportowy. He played 34 times for Poland. In
2001, as an assistant coach to Andrzej Niemczyk, the Polish women’s team
won their first gold medal at the European Championship. In 2006, while
assisting Raul Lozano, the Polish men’s team took silver at the World
Championship. Meanwhile, he coached Winiary Kalisz to the Polish
Championship in 2005. On Dec. 6, 2006, he was awarded the Cavalier's
Cross of Merit for outstanding achievements in the development of Polish
sport.